Suzuki Swift

SUZUKI’S STANDOUT SUPERMINI - THE ALL NEW SWIFT

One of the most significant Suzuki vehicles to emerge from the Company in recent years, The all-new Swift brings to the compact car segment a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics, excellent handling and 40 mpg-plus fuel economy, has the individuality to attract the most discerning of supermini customers.

The cheeky and distinctive styling and a spacious interior are complemented by a very comprehensive specification. All models feature front, side and curtain airbags, radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass, while the GLX gains keyless entry and start, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and front fog lamps.

These petrol-engined Swifts are just the start: September sees the arrival of a 1.3 litre DDi diesel model, while next year the range is to be expanded with a cabriolet variant with folding metal roof and, exploiting the full potential of the Swift’s capable chassis, a high performance 1.6-litre derivative.

And the Swift will also form the basis of Suzuki’s new Junior World Rally Championship title contender later in the year, replacing the all-conquering, Championship-winning Ignis.

Enjoyable performance

With the Swift likely to spend much of its time in urban environments or on twisting country roads, its two petrol engines, a 92 PS 1.3 litre and a 102 PS 1.5 litre, have been selected for their strong performance at low and mid-range engine speeds. The 1.5 litre also features advanced variable valve timing to maximise torque and power throughout the rev range. Peak torque figures are 114 Nm at 4200 rpm and 133 Nm at 4100 rpm, respectively.

Both engines deliver enjoyable driving characteristics, with the Swift 1.3 litre dispatching 0-62 mph in 11 seconds, the manual 1.5 litre model taking a second less, and reaching top speeds of 109 mph and 115 mph, respectively. Those figures are complemented by strong fuel economy with all models exceeding 40 mpg on the Combined cycle, including the automatic at 40.9 mpg. That rises to 43.5 mpg for the 1.5 manual and to 45.6 mpg for the 1.3 litre.

The five-speed manual transmission features satisfyingly firm and quick gear shifting thanks to an enhanced linkage arrangement. Unusually for this category, the four-speed automatic has a gated shift lever allowing the driver to enjoy gear shifting for added exhilaration.

Global outlook, European focus

The Swift is the first product of Suzuki’s radical programme of innovation aimed at strengthening its position as both a leading compact car manufacturer and one of the world’s leading motorcycle brands. The Swift provides the first glimpse of the new ideas and design approaches that will shape many new Suzuki models in years to come.